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Assessment of multilayered graphene technology for flexible antennas at microwave frequencies
Author(s) -
Elmobarak Husameldin A.,
Rahim Sharul K. A.,
Abedian Mohammad,
Soh Ping Jack,
Vandenbosch Guy A. E.,
Yew Chiong Lo
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
microwave and optical technology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.304
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1098-2760
pISSN - 0895-2477
DOI - 10.1002/mop.30783
Subject(s) - graphene , materials science , microwave , substrate (aquarium) , microstrip , optoelectronics , conformal antenna , conformal map , microstrip antenna , antenna (radio) , planar , electrical length , electronic engineering , slot antenna , nanotechnology , electrical engineering , computer science , engineering , telecommunications , geometry , geology , oceanography , mathematics , computer graphics (images)
As it has outstanding electrical and mechanical properties, like high conductivity, durability, and flexibility, graphene may be an interesting material also for conformal and wearable antennas. Whereas mono‐atomic graphene layers have been proven to perform inadequately at microwave frequencies, in this article the performance of multilayered graphene‐based sheets (GBS) fabricated onto a polymer substrate is assessed when used as flexible planar and conformal antennas. This is accomplished through studying a simple microstrip antenna topology. Challenges related to the fabrication process of these antennas are discussed, for example adhesion issues and the occurrence of air gaps on the substrate layer. The graphene‐based technology is compared to a classical technology involving copper as metal. Bending of the antennas is also discussed. The main conclusion is that multilayered graphene does perform adequately as conductor in antennas at microwave frequencies, with the possibility of providing a slightly higher gain than copper.